Design and Implementation of an ESP32-Based Fire Extinguisher Robot for Mining Operations

Abstract

This work involves developing a Bluetooth-controlled fire extinguisher vehicle using the ESP32 microcontroller, enhanced with a gas sensor for safety and autonomous operation. The vehicle is remotely controlled via a mobile device, thanks to the ESP32\'s Bluetooth functionality, allowing precise navigation and fire suppression. The ESP32 serves as the system\'s core, working alongside an L293D Motor Driver Shield, a fire sensor, and a water pump to control both movement and fire-extinguishing actions. A 3.3-5V submersible water pump with a 20cm pipe activates when fire is detected. In autonomous mode, the fire sensor enables the vehicle to detect and react to flames without user input. Control is achieved through a Bluetooth Terminal device, which connects to the ESP32 via Bluetooth. This allows the user to maneuver the vehicle, activate the pump, and monitor gas sensor data from a device. The vehicle is powered by batteries, with a custom PCB ensuring efficient power distribution. This work showcases the ESP32’s capabilities in sensor integration and remote-control technology, emphasizing innovations in autonomous fire-fighting and safety.

Introduction

Introduction

Underground mining poses significant hazards such as:

• Fires

• Structural collapses

• Explosions

• Toxic gas leaks
  To address these risks, a remote-controlled mini fire extinguisher robot has been developed to enhance miner safety and reduce human exposure in dangerous environments.

2. Key Features of the Robot

• Controlled via smartphone using Bluetooth (ESP32 microcontroller).

• Equipped with sensors:

  • Flame sensor to detect fire.

  • MQ-3 gas sensor to detect harmful gases.

• Submersible water pump to extinguish detected flames.

• Real-time data transmission allows monitoring of fire/gas levels remotely.

3. Methodology

A. Components Used

• ESP32 microcontroller: Main controller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

• L293D Motor Driver: Controls robot movement.

• BC548 Transistor: Switches the water pump on/off.

• Sensors: Detect flames and gas.

• Buck Converter: Regulates power supply.

B. Operation

• System powers on → connects via Bluetooth.

• Sensors monitor for fire or gas.

• If hazards are detected, the operator:

  • Navigates the robot remotely.

  • Manually activates the water pump to suppress fire.

C. Control Interface

• Operated via Serial Bluetooth Terminal App using commands:

  • F: Forward

  • S: Stop

  • R/L: Right/Left turn

  • W: Water pump ON

  • w: Water pump OFF

4. Results and Demonstration

• Successful remote control of robot movement and fire-extinguishing function.

• Effective detection of fire (using candle test) and gas (using incense stick).

• Real-time alerts like "Fire Founded" and "Gas Founded" appear on mobile terminal.

• Robot efficiently performs fire suppression in confined areas.

5. Conclusion

This mini fire extinguisher robot:

• Improves safety in underground mines.

• Enables real-time hazard detection and remote fire suppression.

• Reduces human risk exposure and improves response time to emergencies.

Conclusion

This research presents the efficacious implementation of the ESP32 microcontroller in the development of a manually operated fire extinguishing robot, specifically designed for hazardous environments such as underground mines. The robot, equipped with fire and gas sensors in conjunction with a submersible water pump, provides a pragmatic solution for remote firefighting and monitoring, particularly in areas deemed too perilous or inaccessible for human intervention. The robot\'s precise locomotion is facilitated by an L293D motor driver, while real-time data transmission via Bluetooth technology ensures that operators can respond expeditiously to both fire and gas hazards, thereby mitigating risks. The system is powered by a lithium battery, with stable power regulation achieved through a buck converter and a custom-designed printed circuit board (PCB), ensuring reliable operation. This study underscores the potential of robotic systems in industrial safety applications, offering a cost-effective and scalable approach to enhance emergency response times and reduce human exposure to life-threatening hazards

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Harsh Malkapure, Arsh Kumar Mandal, Ankit Agrawal, Pushpendra Singh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.